[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 120 (Thursday, September 12, 2013)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1299] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] RECOGNIZING RUSSELL SALVATORE AS 2013 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR ______ HON. BRIAN HIGGINS of new york in the house of representatives Thursday, September 12, 2013 Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Mr. Russell Salvatore as the Cheektowaga Chamber of Commerce recognizes him as their 2013 Citizen of the Year. Russ's professional and civic activities demonstrate his commitment to making a difference in the lives of individuals and a positive impact in his community. Beginning as a young boy working for his father, Russ exemplifies the American ideals of hard work and determination. In 1967, Russ found a small hot dog stand for sale on Transit Road. He purchased the stand and served as the cook, dishwasher, and waiter himself. Eventually, he expanded the modest establishment into the landmark that is now Salvatore's Italian Gardens. In 1995, a fire destroyed Salvatore's Italian Gardens. Although Russ's next project, a hotel, was already underway, Russ refocused the efforts of the construction crews from the hotel project to rebuilding the restaurant. Once the restaurant was back in business, he hosted a dinner for all the volunteer firemen who helped save his Salvatore's Italian Gardens. Work soon resumed at the Garden Place Hotel. The finished product is a beautiful one hundred and sixty-six room facility complete with a courtyard, fitness room, meeting rooms and twenty-five luxurious suites. In 2006, Trocaire College met with Russ to discuss their plan to build a satellite campus in the suburbs to bolster a struggling hospitality program. Enthusiastic about the project, Russ partnered with Trocaire to open the Russell J. Salvatore School of Hospitality at Trocaire to the Sisters of Mercy in 2008. Russ's great vision and drive led him to open another restaurant adjacent to Salvatore's Grand Hotel, Russell's Steaks, Chops, and More. The restaurant and hotel have received numerous honors and awards since their opening. Russ is known for greeting his customers himself, providing a personal touch and top notch service. Russ's latest endeavor is his new cooking show ``Come Dine With Me,'' which showcases local chefs and restaurants. A dedicated philanthropist, one of Russ's proudest accomplishments was the creation of the ``Patriots to Heroes Park.'' Located on Transit Road, the park is home to memorials of 9/11 and Flight 3407, tragedies that deeply affected Western New Yorkers. Russ is a generous supporter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Variety Club of Buffalo, Juvenile Diabetes of Buffalo, Heritage House, Women's and Children's Hospital, the Italian American Federation and the local school districts of Lancaster, Williamsville, Amherst and Clarence. Through the Russell J. Salvatore Foundation, he supports Kids Escaping Drugs, the Make A Wish Program, the Food Bank of Western New York and Meals on Wheels Organization. His annual ``Ham-a-Lot'' event fed almost 1,000 families this past Easter. In 2012, Russ worked with Olmstead Conservatory to honor fallen heroes of the War of 1812 by funding the replacement of two marker willow trees in Delaware Park. During Erie County Medical Center's drive to improve patient relations, he donated new television sets for the entire hospital, which included an agreement that no patient should have to pay for television service again. This past year, he bought out the remaining tickets to a Buffalo Bills game to avoid a local blackout. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to recognize the great works of Russ Salvatore. His philanthropic spirit and dedication to Western New York is inimitable, and I congratulate him upon his receipt of the 2013 Citizen of the Year Award from the Cheektowaga Chamber of Commerce. ____________________